Kaylee + Garrett

They say a bird pooping in your hair is good luck. At least, that’s what everyone told me after I told the story of how Kaylee here had that exact scenario happen during their session. Even more fun, I thought the poop was dirt so grabbed it confidently with my bare hand. Lots of car cleaner wipes and hand sanitizer later, we were back in spirits with a new one “for the mems”.

Kaylee and Garrett have both recently landed in Austin. They are from the general area and after years away they are coming home. For their engagement session, they wanted photos that are rooted in their city. We spent a 70 degree November day playing in the reflections off of the buildings, stopping traffic, and getting weird with the walkway that leads to Pfluger Bridge.

I am already dreaming of their October wedding. Here’s hoping they got all the luck they needed already.

Katie

Days before her 23rd birthday, my dear friend reached out to me. She was planning to paint her new apartment and knowing I love to paint walls (a secret talent of mine) asked if I would like to lend a hand. “Tell me when" I said. In between the invitation and the day of, we had started rolling the idea around of me bringing my camera. It seemed a sweet idea - to document the transformation of her home as she was teetering on the edge of another year of life. Poetic and whimsy just like Katie.

We spent 4 hours in the afternoon light of her small apartment. Music lilted through the air mixed with the chatter of her parents on step stools. The light was soft and inviting and the A/C cooled us in the July heat. We did photos in the first hour and then I traded my camera for a brush and did all the cutting in around the baseboards and ceiling. Letting the brush glide and catching every tiny crevice is therapeutic.

We ended the day with a brand new color on the walls and all of us sitting on drop cloths eating pizza. One of those evenings that reminds you that this is what it is all about.

Smith Family

I’ve photographed Myka and Brice for years. Engagement photos, wedding, after session at their home property, and first baby announcement. Recurring photo friends are a little extra special. Seeing them at their most pivotal points time and time again is such a rare honor. I made the trek to their home once again for long overdue family photos but they had a surprise brewing. Their third child was on the way.

The light, spring rain was not a deterrent for these outdoorsy folks. They ran through their well-worn fields and tried to wrangle their boys for a shot or two. I believe in letting the little ones decide what we do. It keeps them more engaged with the process and lets their true personality shine.

Now their third baby is here and, to her whole family’s delight, it’s a girl. Congrats to the whole Smith crew.